Tarka Chimney Sweeps was founded in 2008 by Christine and Frank Adey. Having retired in 2016 sweeping duties have been handed over to their daughter Korinna Adey and partner Neil Bowler who continue the high standards set over the years.

Korinna and Neil are both trained by The Institute of Chimney Sweeps (ICS). Fully insured to carry out sweeping work and maintenance as required. Both will attend each appointment, one will be sweeping whilst the second will ensure that the brush is fully at the top of the chimney and the cowl is secure. Walkie talkies are used for communication between the two sweeps at all times. Great care is taken to ensure your fires are safe and your chimney flues are clear. Safety checks will be carried out to assess the condition of your appliance. Where necessary we can replace filters, mend door brade and use fire cement to fix any damaged seals. This will be included on our report to you.

Appliances cleaned are Woodburners, Open Fires, Solid Fuel and Oil Ranges. We will also attend for a consultation if required.

The Institute of Chimney Sweeps - ICS

The Institute of Chimney Sweeps is a trade association for Chimney Sweeps ran by Chimney Sweeps. It was established in order to provide the industry with a benchmark for quality and safety of sweeping. All ICS members are fully trained, hold Public Liability insurance and carry photographic ID. A full report will be provided of all work carried out and an ICS certificate will be supplied which is recognised by all leading house insurers. All fires and stoves should have their flue swept at least once a year by a qualified Chimney Sweep.

Note: That most oil boiler services do not include full sweeping when serviced. Sweeping is best be done before a service.

Any other safety issues with the fire we would recommend a Hetas installer/engineer checks the fire and flue.

We use the power sweeping system which uses soft plastic brushes, which rotate to clean flues to perfection. This system is perfect on lined flues and difficult flues with heavy tar known as clinker. Rotation is far better than the older traditional push system and does a much better job especially clearing tarred up cowls.

For sealing the fire from soot ingress into the room we use assorted industrial thick foam blocks, to fit any fire opening. This results in a far cleaner sweep as all the dirt is contained behind the blocks.

We use an industrial vacuum for cleaning ONLY, and do not use as an aid to sweep the chimney.

Carbon Monoxide

Carbon monoxide poisoning can be fatal or cause permanent damage to your health. CO is produced when carbon fuels dont burn completely. It has no smell or taste and, in large quantities, it can kill very quickly. It is therefore recommended that every household has a fully functional Carbon Monoxide Alarm located in the same room as their fire or appliance. For more information visit www.co-awareness.org

Fires & Stoves

Tarka Chimney Sweeps - Based in Bishops Tawton, 4 miles from Barnstaple and covering the following areas;
Atherington, Barnstaple, Bideford, Bishops Tawton, Braunton, Chittlehampton, Chulmleigh, Great Torrington
High Bickington, Ilfracombe, Landkey, Lapford, South Molton, Winkleigh and wider areas of North Devon and Exmoor